Our Stories

The reason that many people give is to leave a legacy that touches the lives of others. By sharing stories of grateful patients, gracious donors and others touched by Martha Jefferson, we show you how gifts to Martha Jefferson Nursing Care are resulting in improved health and wellbeing.

Supporting Quality Care That's Close to Home

Bobbie Bruner and her family have been fortunate not to have required hospitalization for serious health problems, but they are at peace knowing that Martha Jefferson Hospital is in their neighborhood, ready to provide compassionate, quality care whenever they may need it.

“Martha Jefferson is our hospital,” said Bobbie, whose two sons were delivered at the former downtown hospital in the mid-1980s. “The new hospital is an enormous facility, but it feels very personal when you walk in. I feel like that personal touch makes going to Martha Jefferson — even for routine screenings — a reassuring experience.”

A former management consultant and lecturer at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and McIntire School of Commerce, Bobbie has been a member of the Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation Board since January 2009. Bobbie accepted the invitation to join the Foundation Board because she wanted to be a part of strengthening the hospital’s dedication to the community.

“I really value having the quality of care Martha Jefferson offers here in Charlottesville,” commented Bobbie. “I was asked to join the board during an exciting time for Martha Jefferson, toward the end of the new hospital campaign. It was a great way for me to become involved with an important community organization.”

Bobbie has an interest in supporting and garnering funds to strengthen the nursing program at Martha Jefferson. She’s excited about the hospital’s efforts to provide scholarships for nurses to advance their education and pursue professional growth opportunities. Recently she was impressed by a tour of Martha Jefferson’s Clinical Simulation Center, which allows staff nurses to gain hands-on experience using the most advanced equipment available and the best practices in the field.

“I’m excited about Martha Jefferson’s focus on nurses and their educational development,” Bobbie remarked. “I’m really impressed by the quality of nursing care at Martha Jefferson and the support we can provide to further their education. Nursing is at the center of attracting good talent to the hospital — including great doctors — and lies at the heart of providing quality patient care.”

Many of Martha Jefferson’s nurses seek further education at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC), where Bobbie also serves as a member of the PVCC Foundation Board. She sees her work there as closely connected with her service to Martha Jefferson.

“The healthcare programs at PVCC have been aligned with and well supported by Martha Jefferson,” Bobbie noted.

Bobbie believes getting the community involved in supporting Martha Jefferson will boost the hospital’s positive effects on the health and well-being of residents in and around the region. Philanthropic efforts, she says, are effective in keeping the community engaged with the hospital.

“Community philanthropy enables the hospital to continue its Caring Tradition, which means a true healing environment,” added Bobbie. “I believe people who have made that overture of support to the hospital really feel like Martha Jefferson is their hospital. I’m just awed by the depth of talent at the hospital and the level of engagement the medical staff and other employees have with the local community.”